DURHAM, N.C. - The Duke men's and women's cross country teams are set to kick off the 2012 season Friday at the Virginia Tech Alumni Invitational in Blacksburg, Va. Both squads will face competitors from Virginia and host Virginia Tech, with the women slated to run a 4K race beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the men in a 6K race at 6:45 p.m.

The Blue Devil women come into the season ranked fifth in the Southeast Region, according to the regional poll released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Monday. Under the direction of head coach Kevin Jermyn, Duke returns 11 letterwinners from the team that finished fifth at the 2011 NCAA Southeast Regional. The women's roster features a veteran group of upperclassmen in 2012, headlined by seniors Juliet Bottorff and Madeline Morgan, as well as five incoming freshmen - Olivia Anderson, Anima Banks, Holly Bischof, Madison Granger and Allison Sturges.

Friday's season opener is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start in Blacksburg. Both the men's and women's teams will return home on Sept. 15 to host the NC Central Dual in conjunction with the Bull City Classic on the gridiron.

For updates on Duke men's and women's cross country throughout the season, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter (@Duke_TF_XC).